4 Reasons to Ask Your Doctor about Veins
Patients turn to their doctors for help with all kinds of health issues, but what about veins? Is it worth asking about a vein problem, or should people just “learn to live with it”? Vein disease (also known as venous disease) is very common, very treatable, and, thus, worth mentioning to a primary care physician.
Here are just four reasons to talk to a family doctor about veins:
Most compression garments last about six months (with
everyday use), before the ankle compression begins to decrease and lose its shape. Garments are best cared for when hand- washed and air-dried, but companies recently began producing hosiery that can be safely machine-washed and dried.
Here are some tips if you’re considering compression:
• Check with your doctor to see if compression therapy is appropriate for you, as well as what compression strength is right for your problem.
• A good fit is absolutely essential, so have someone (ideally, a professional fitter) help measure your leg, including circumference. • Different brands vary in size and length, so try them on if you can—and know the return policy.
• Never roll the stockings like a sock. It can actually create a tourniquet-like effect.
• Do not wear compression garments to bed, unless instructed to by a medical provider.
There are many benefits to graduated compression therapy, including reduced risk factors for DVT, but be sure to consult your physician. Compression is not right for everyone and may adversely affect some patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Cen- ter in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. Dr. Asbjornsen is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at (207)221-7799 or
info@veinhealthcare.com. See ad on page 15.
1. Legs often feel tired or heavy – These are two of the most common (and early) symptoms of a vein problem. Intense leg fatigue at the end of the day is a sign. Heaviness is usually a result of mild swelling due to poor venous return (blood flow back up to the heart). These symptoms can be easily treated with compression stockings or other minimally invasive thera- pies.
2. Varicose veins – Many people discount their bulging
veins because they’ve been told for years that varicose veins are cosmetic and not covered by insurance. In 1999, the FDA approval of the endovenous approach to vein care changed this dramatically. Today, there are many modern procedures available and, when performed by a skilled phebologist, there is minimal discomfort and great long-term success. 3. “Bad veins” run in the family – Approximately 60% of
people who have one first- degree relative with venous is- sues will also have issues. That statistic shoots to almost 90% if someone has two first-degree relatives with vein problems. Many bleeding and blood clotting disorders are also hereditary. If someone has a family history, s/he should be proactive about vein disease prevention and consider going to a vein specialist for a baseline evaluation.
4. Open sores on one or both legs – Though some people suffer from arterial ulcers or diabetic ulcers, the vast major- ity of leg ulcers have a venous component. Today, more leg ulcers are closed and stay closed because of more effective and focused venous procedures.
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